Adam Sandler's Hoops Tour: From South Carolina to Florida and Beyond
Actor and comedian Adam Sandler, a known basketball enthusiast, has been combining his "You're My Best Friend Tour" with some pick-up games across the country. Recent stops included the University of South Carolina, Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), and even a game with rapper Vanilla Ice at the University of South Florida (USF).
Sandler's South Carolina Stop
Before his show at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina on September 10th, Adam Sandler took to the court with members of the South Carolina Gamecocks men's basketball team. Several players, including transfer guard Josh Gray and senior forward Nordin Kapic, shared photos from the experience on their Instagram stories. Sophomore guard Cam Scott also posted from the show itself.
The show also featured a shoutout to South Carolina women's basketball head coach Dawn Staley. Actor Jonathan Loughran, a frequent collaborator in Sandler's movies, appeared on stage wearing a Saquon Barkley jersey and yelled "Dawn Staley", eliciting applause from the crowd. Staley is from Philadelphia and a well-known Eagles fan. Comedian Sam Morril, who opened for Sandler, sported a South Carolina basketball shirt.
Florida Fun: FGCU and Vanilla Ice
Prior to his South Carolina appearance, Sandler played basketball with players from the FGCU men's basketball team before his show in Florida on September 8th. Later, in Tampa, Sandler and Vanilla Ice joined a pickup game with Charleston Southern assistant coach Tee Butters and others at the University of South Florida. The game was arranged after Sandler's manager contacted USF head coach Bryan Hodgson.
"Butler’s team played the first game with Sandler, going up 18-6 before eventually losing. I went 0-for-1 with him on my team," Butters said. "He’s a good player. Chill as can be. Nervous? Yes. Unscathed? Yes. Our assistant tore his Achilles, though, which was the hard part.”
Peace University Pick-Up Game
Continuing his basketball-filled tour, Adam Sandler also played pick-up basketball at Peace University in Raleigh before his show at the Lenovo Center. The university shared photos of the comedian in action on the court, highlighting his dedication to the sport even while on tour.
These impromptu basketball games provide a unique and memorable experience for both Adam Sandler and the players involved, blending the worlds of entertainment and sports in unexpected ways.